I found some cute Christmas fabric in my stash and want to make a quick baby quilt with it. I've cut the fabric into 3.5 inch squares-not the best size for anything quick, but I thought it had to be fussy cut that size because of the placement of the motif.

Anyway, I'm thinking I'll sew a border around each motif square and then use another fabric for a sashing between the squares. Is there a rule of thumb for the width of these borders/sashings? I don't want them to overpower the delicate motif, but I don't want them to be so narrow that they'll be a nuisance to cut and sew.

I was thinking of cutting the border pieces for the squares 1.5 inches-that would give me a 5.5 inch block that will ultimately finish at 5 inches (I think). I keep playing around with strips of paper cut in different widths, but can't decide what looks best for the sashing between the blocks.

What would you suggest?

You could do the 1 1/2 inch, then follow that by a 2 1/2 inch. Then put it all together. I think that would be cute.

I don't think there is a rule of thumb, it is more of a personal prefernece, and depends on the different fabrics. I think Terri made a wonderful suggestion, then the blocks would be a bigger size and it will go together rather quickly, too :D :D :D

I like the idea of 1 1/2 and then the 2 1/2. But it is up to you, what size you want it to be in the end.

Why not take the free Border Crossings class at Quilt University to get some great ideas about how borders can make a beautiful difference to your quilts? Borders are so much more than just four strips of fabric at the edges! http://www.quiltuniversity.com/registrar_free.htm